Kilimanjaro: Viljoen climbs with a higher purpose for GBV-survivors silenced by fear

Gender-based violence cannot be a normalized ill, wear Orange on 25 th March! Pain and the alarming levels of sexual violence have become normalized ills in South Africa. On Human Rights Day on Friday 21 st March 2025. South Africa commemorated 21 st March 1960, a day on which 69 people were shot and killed by the police in Sharpeville and 180 wounded when they protested against pass laws. The responsible police officers were not apprehended and did no spend time behind bars for this evil crime. But what about other South Africans who daily pass away in a nail of bullets in 2025. What about 16023 women and 2164 children who were sexually assaulted between September and December 2024 in South Africa. What about 11802 women who were raped in the same period. And what is also deeply worrying, is that the front pages of the media were dominated the past three months with reports of sexual harassment of women and sexual attacks by teachers on learners. Yet, there are times when you sense that South Africans almost accept these alarming revelations as a new normal. In February 2025, the minister of sport, Gayton McKenzie, pleaded with the South African cricket team to boycott a match in the International Cricket Council’s Champions Trophy tournament against Afghanistan because of this country’s institutionalized abuse of women and their laws that prohibit women to play in sports teams and receive formal education. He did not speak a word about the levels of gender-based violence against SA women, about the SA government’s inability and abject failure to protect its own women. Can one ask what the newly established national council on gender-based violence and femicide is currently doing. They have to work alongside the social development departments, health departments, basic education departments and the police. Coordination is needed. Would this council need more time to find its feet, or has it been asleep behind the wheel since it was formed in November 2024? It is important that government bring boots closer to community. It is important to expand community-policing partnerships to proactively address localised criminal issues, particularly in the Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and the Eastern Cape. The past month, four teachers were found guilty of sexual assault and improper sexual behaviour towards learners. The Education Lavour Relations Councill dismissed the teachers, two from Gauteng and one each from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, after finding them guilty of sexual misconduct. In the Eastern Cape, a report by news24 and City Press exposed widespread sexual harassment of women in the Eastern Cape Provincial government, and a sex-for-jobs culture. A gender advocate shared how 110 women shared shocking details with her on how they were subjected to sexual harassment in the Eastern Cape offices. But that investigation by the premier Oscar Mabuyane has come to a standstill. Nothing has happened. The challenges that ordinary South Africans face, is that the public has become almost accustomed to these abuses. It has become a new normal. That is why an organization like 1000 Women Trust is such an important role player in creating awareness of GBV. On Tuesday 25 th March and on the 25 th day of each month, women and a few good men will be wearing Orange to create awareness of gender-based violence in South Africa. 1000 Women Trust has recently established Project Orange – the creation of safe spaces and rooms and offices where GBV-Warriors, who are well trained, assist women and give them counselling and support in the critical 24 hours after a GBV-attack. It is good that the country has 65 Thuthuzela Care Centres to support women subjected to GBV, but it is not nearly sufficient as there are numerous GBV-hot spots and the Thuthuzela Cae Centres do not cover all the hotspots. And that is why Project Orange is a game-changer and a life-saver. “We ask all people to wear Orange tomorrow as part of 1000 Women’s Project Orange and #maketheworldORANGE,”says Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust. The 1000 Women Trust is a Women's Organizations that aim to raise awareness around Gender-Based Violence, rape and abuse and mobilize resources. These resources make it possible for us to assist women-led organizations with grants and skills development. For more information about 1000 Women Trust, send us a mail to info@1000women.co.za or phone us on 061-4690479.

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 15 TH APRIL 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sexual harassment month: April: SA must challenge culture of impunity, says Thiart South Africa must end the culture of impunity surrounding sexual harassment which has become commonplace in the country, says Tina Thiart, cofounder and trustee of 1000 Women Trust. April is sexual harassment month in South Africa to create awareness of this scourge and to educate communities and individuals to deal with this crime. “Sexual harassment is rife in South Africa,,” Thiart said. “In the South African legal profession, 43% of women reported being sexually harassed. This misconduct resulted in 25% of sexual harassment targets indicating that the conduct contributed to them leaving or considering leaving their workplace, according to a survey by the International Bar Association (IBA),“ Thiart said. A South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) survey found that approximately 30% of women in South Africa have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. This figure is echoed in other studies, like one indicating that 30% of female learners in South African high schools experienced rape and sexual harassment by male learners and teachers, Thiart added. Sexual harassment recently raised its ugly head recently when revelations were made of widespread sexual abuse by senior officials of the Eastern Cape provincial government. The head of the department of public works and infrastructure, Thandowethu Mandu, was placed on special leave pending an investigation into accusations that he had demanded special sexual favours from a junior subordinate. Subsequently Anele Mda, a gender and social justice activist, revealed that she had received testimonies from 110 women who claimed to have been sexually violated by senior officials within the provincial Eastern Cape government, claiming there was a sex-for-job culture in the Eastern Cape government and that eight departments were involved. “The ability by civic society and organizations like 1000 Women Trust and others to mobilize South Africans to protest sexual harassment is crucial. If sexual predators are not held accountable, they will feel emboldened to commit their heinous crimes,” Thiart said. Asked what can be done to change the culture of sexual harassment, Thiart said: “Ït is crucial to report incidents, implement robust policies, and provide comprehensive training in workplaces and educational institutions. One must also support victims and ensure access to legal avenues like protection orders. “If you experience sexual harassment, report it to your employer or relevant authorities, such as the police or a legal professional. “Reach out to organizations that offer support to victims of sexual harassment, such as 1000 Women Trust and THE TEARS-foundation. “You can apply for a protection order in the Magistrate's Court to prevent further harassment,” Thiart explained. “Companies must stablish and communicate clear policies on sexual harassment, outlining prohibited behaviors and reporting procedures. Provide regular training on sexual harassment prevention and response to all employees and students, Thiart said. “Companies must regularly assess the effectiveness of policies and training programs, and make necessary adjustments. They must be proactive in addressing potential issues and creating a culture of respect and safety. Collective agreements should be guided by the provisions of the Code of Good Practice on Sexual Harassment in the workplace,” Thiart added. She said The Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011 provides legal avenues for victims to seek protection. “Sexual assault, including any act that causes contact between the mouth, genital organs or anus of one person (or the breasts of a woman) and any part of the body of another person, is a criminal offense,” Thiart explained. Sexual harassment can be a form of discrimination based on sex, and is prohibited under the Employment Equity Act,” Thiart pointed out. Thiart said sexual harassment is defined as unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates the dignity of the complainant or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. Sexual harassment can cause significant psychosocial harm, including depression and PTSD. “We encourage allyship and support for those who have experienced harassment. The trauma training course as well as the anti-bully course developed and easily accessible on-line, have become trusted allies to support victims of sexual harassment,” Thiart said. Press release compiled by Fanie Heyns on behalf of 1000 Women Trust. For more information, contact Tina Thiart on 073-2079079.

Mobilization the right way for SA citizens to protest police inaction, but shutdown? No The president of the Truth and Solidarity Movement, Mehmet Vefa Dag, has called for a national shutdown on Tuesday, April 8, reported IOL. He has also called for the resignation of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu over the ministry's handling of the rape of a seven-year-old at Bergview College in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape. "From 5am in the morning, we are shutting down the entire country. There will be no movement around the country ... All the schools must be shut down. Senzo Mchunu must step down," he said. Dag went on to say that the principal of the school must be arrested and called for details of the man who was allegedly found to be in possession of child pornography . "If you're not going to help us, we will fight by all means on behalf of South Africa. I am urging Senzo Mchunu to step down. This country is not alone. Our people are not alone. We as South Africans are standing united against injustice, inequalities, pedophiles, rapists , thieves, killers. Enough is enough," he added in an interview with IOL. The police ministry recently clarified statements on Matatiele case. Responding to claims and allegations on social media, Ministry spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, explained that Mchunu did not make any statements that the DNA of the principal of Bergview College had been taken, but based on the initial report received, said he was among those suspected. "He further said that DNA tests had been conducted without providing any specifics - these tests were in respect of the minor," added Mogotsi. "The Minister gave a comprehensive briefing on Friday to take the nation into confidence on the investigation, wherein he mentioned that three persons of interest had been identified, and their samples taken for DNA analysis . The Major-General deployed to ensure a thorough investigation is working diligently to ensure that all relevant evidence is carefully examined." Tina Thiart, co-founder and trustee of the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust, said: “Although we do not support a shutdown as people must earn a livelihood and we don’t want anything to negatively affect the economy, we do support the underlying sentiments. “The government do not act unless there is pressure and unless civic society mobilizes ordinary South Africans to protest against the mismanagement of the police and other law enforcement agencies. “When a woman or child is raped or murdered, there must be immediate and coordinated action. One of the gravest mistakes of the police is not to properly investigate a crime and interrogate suspects. Why do you stop when there is no DNA evidence. Has the suspect identified the criminal, has anybody else seen him at the scene of the crime. The lack of action is what drives society mad,” Thiart said. 1000 Women Trust is a Women's Organizations that aim to raise awareness around Gender-Based Violence, rape and abuse and mobilize resources. These resources make it possible for us to assist women-led organizations with grants and skills development. For more information, contact 1000 Women Trust on info@1000women.co.za or call us on 0614690479.

Bullying on the rise: zero tolerance the best deterrent, says Thiart Over the past few weeks multiple incidents of school violence and bullying have gone viral on social media. Western Cape Education is probing a case where a Grade 8 pupil was ambushed inside a toilet. In another incident an 18-year-old pupil was attacked after school, sustaining injuries to her face. The mother of a Grade 8 pupil assaulted by a group of older boys who ambushed him inside a toilet, pushed his head into a toilet bowl, and smeared his face and uniform with faeces has taken the matter to the police, who have assigned a detective to investigate. (Source: news24.com , 11 th February 2025) After the humiliating incident at Leiden High School in Delft on 31 January, videos and pictures were posted on social media platforms. Education activists, fellow parents and some pupils of the school have since called for the school's principal to intervene and suspend those involved in the horrific bullying. Pretty Nketu, the mother of the victim, said since the school appeared to show no concern for her son, failed to keep her updated and did not inform her of steps that would be taken against the alleged perpetrators, she decided to go to the police herself. "My son was covered in human faeces and left to fend for himself. He was not even allowed to clean himself up and was told to wait for me till I came to bring him clean clothes. Nketu said: He had to stand next to a dirt bin while flies buzzed around him, and pupils laughed and took photos of him. Do you know how embarrassing that is to any child? He did not deserve this. And this is why I got the police involved. She said the police told her that a detective would be assigned to her son's case and those responsible would face the full might of the law. Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said both the mother and child were present at the Delft police station to register a case of common assault for further investigation. "Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a boy, asked for permission to go to the toilet, and as he left [the toilet], four boys grabbed him and forced him into the toilet. "They forced his face into the toilet bowl and washed his face with waste from the toilet," Pojie said. The police said no arrests have been made and that the matter is under investigation. In Asherville in KZN, three pupils were left injured after an alleged racially fuelled fight outside a high school. In Joburg, a mother rushed to school after she received a call from her daughter who . On Wednesday morning 5 th February, a protest was held outside the school in Delft. Parents, pupils, and community members called for the principal to be removed from the school for failing to properly address the incident.. "Those perpetrators are still among the [pupils], still walking in and out of the school and showing no remorse. It's upsetting to us as a family that my son is at home, yet the perpetrators are still in the school," Nketu said. Tina Thiart, co-founder and director of 1000 Women Trust, one of the leading organizations in the fight against bullying and gender-based violence in the county, said according to statistics, a staggering 3.2 million children in South African Schools are bullied annually. “Since the inception of our anti-bullying campaigns in 2018, we have compiled an anti-bullying toolkit to be used by schools and parents. We started off in the Western Cape, but also branched out to the Northern Cape, Limpopo and the Free State. To date, more than 7000 children, teaches and parents have benefited from the anti-bullying course material which we have shared with them the past seven years,”” Thiart said. Thiart warned that cyberbullying is rife in SA schools. According to a recent survey, more than three children out of 10 have been cyerstalked or been a victim of online shaming or revenge porn. Thiart said in a trauma-informed school, the best deterrent to bullying and cyberbullying is to create a culture of acceptance and communication. Such a culture empowers learners to find positive ways to resolve conflicts and has an administration, teachers and other staff who can support learners in making constructive decisions and respond proactively when the aggression of any kind exists on the school campus. An important first step to take for schools, is to establish an anti-bullying and a zero-tolerance policy at schools, said Thiart. “In addition we need to create awareness of cyberBullying as young people do not understand how cyberbullying and using your phone can be harmful to people. It is also a crime,” warned Thiart. For more information on what 1000 Women Trust is doing, visit www.bullying.org.za , visit the website on www.1000women.co.za or send Thiart a whatsupp on 061-4690479 if you want your school or teachers or parents to do the anti-bullying course.

1000 Women Trust creates 24-hour safe house in Nyanga-East as pilot of Project Orange One small step for Project Orange, one giant leap for the national GBV-Warriors initiative…The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust, who has answered a national outcry from communities to create safe spaces for victims of gender-based violence in the critical 24 hour-period after an attack, has provided the materials needed for a safe room and advice office for Nomonde Ngwenyana in Nyanga-East as the first installment of the national initiatives to equip offices in more provinces with the necessary infrastructure to empower GBV-Warriors and help suffering women. In August 2024, 1000 Women Trust launched a national GBV-Warriors-campaign and Project Orange to provide critical support to women and children severely impacted by gender-based violence, particularly within the crucial first 24 hours after an attack. Gender-based violence in South Africa is rife. Daily, 114 women in South Africa are attacked and 170 women are sexually assaulted. Tina Thiart, executive trustee of 1000 Women Trust, said through interviews conducted with 500 community women in 2023, it was established that there is desperate need for safe spaces for women especially during the 24-hours after gender-based violence occurred. The GBV-Warriors are foot soldiers who are on the ground in communities, providing crucial support to abused women. They are women who have completed trauma and anti-bully training, facilitated #HearMeToo sessions, partnered with social workers or counsellors, have worked closely with police and have organized GBV awareness initiatives in the community, said Thiart. Project Orange, in essence, is the availability of rooms managed by trained GBV-Warriors in the community who will establish a comfortable and welcoming environment to women who are victims of GBV. There they will receive assistance in these rooms before transitioning to service providers the next day, like shelters and Thuthuzela Care Centres. But the GBV-Warriors, who have an astute knowledge of the rights of the victims, will also accompany these victims to the police stations, where, historically, GBV-victims have suffered secondary victimization. They will also aid them at courts when these women are in need of protection orders. Bianca Charles, office manager of 1000 Women Trust, said the Trust reached out to Ngwenyana in Nyanga-East and created a 24 hour emergency safe house as pilot of Project Orange. “We also provided all the material that Ngewenyana needed for a peace corner where children of abused woman can play,” she said. Ngwenyana did the trauma training course of 1000 Women Trust which equips her to assist victims of GBV. She also did the Trust’s anti-bully course. She received coaching through the First Responder-course of 1000 Women Trust. “We also provided Ngwenyana with bedding, curtains, toiletry and care packs for women who might visit the 24-hour emergency safe house in her home,” Charles said. “The next steps we are taking is to roll out this project to Kalkfontein in Kuils River, in Beaufort West and Gauteng,” Charles said. The funder of the project, Gender Links Women’s Voice and Leadership South Africa, was thrilled by what they witnessed and is happy to endorse this vital project, Charles said. Ngwenyana said Nyanga-East is a gender-based violence hotspot and the Project Orange- and GBV-Warriors-initiative to create a safe space for women subjected to gender-based violence is much-needed to help so many women suffering. “Especially during the weekends in Nyanga-East, there are women who want to stay overnight as this is a violent area. I give them an opportunity to stay there and also have something to eat. Obviously I offer advice. “The one challenge I have, is that I encourage them to report GBV to the police. When they come to my home, they are willing to do that. But the following day, they almost never follow through on their promises,” said Ngwenyana. The 1000 Women Trust is a registered Trust focusing on fundraising and creating awareness for domestic and gender-based violence (GBV) and abuse. They believe that if women have access to knowledge, skills, and resources, they will find their own solutions to combat violence against women and girls. For more information, contact the Trust on info@1000women.co.za or phone us on 061-4690479.

1000 Women Trust’s anti-bullying course starts on 20 th January The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust, one of South Africa’s most trusted empowerment hubs equipping schools, parents, learners and community leaders with the skills to eradicate bullying, are inviting teachers, parents and community leaders to a new anti-bullying training course. The course, only on Whatsapp, will start on 20 th January. In 2024, 1000 Women Trust provided its anti-bullying training to 2981 parents and teachers, totalling over 6000 participants to date. This initiative is vital, given the alarming statistic that nearly 90% of childhood bullies become perpetrators of gender-based violence. Addressing GBV at its root cause is imperative. According to HJW Attorneys, more than 3.2 million learners are bullied in South Africa annually, and more than 67% of bully victims will not ask a teacher for help because they don’t think it will change their situation. In total, 90% of school bullying is carried out by learners. A total of 160 000 high-school learners bunk school daily to avoid being bullied. 1000 Women Trust has established a footprint in several South African provinces aiding schools and educational departments when bullying has been rife. There has been high praise for the quality of 1000 Women Trust’s anti-bullying courses and its pamphlets in Limpopo, the Western Cape, the Free State and other provinces. 1000 Women Trust is a South African Women's Rights Organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). For over two decades, we've been empowering GBV Community Organisations nationwide, advocating for change and resilience. For more information, contact the office on info@1000women.co.za or on 061-4690479.

1000 Women Trust launch counselling training for Warriors, GBV-survivors The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust, in partnership with NPO Solutions, has launched a ground-breaking counselling training which will empower GBV-Warriors and GBV-survivors with the skills to serve communities even better in 2025. The counselling training is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). “We invite all 1000 Women GBV-Warriors and GBV-survivors to sign up for the accredited training, which will start – part-time online and on Whatsupp, on 6 th February,” said Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust. A councillor is a health professional who provides guidance and support to clients seeking improvement in various areas of their lives. They work with individuals, families of groups, assisting them in navigating diverse circumstances, depending upon their specialized area of practice they are qualified to perform. “The fully accredited training by 1000 Women Trust for the GBV-Warriors will assist them in providing mental health services to women who are survivors of GBV and who seek a safe space for help, but also counselling to deal with trauma,” said Thiart. “Once the GBV-Warriors complete the course, they can register as counsellors,” Thiart added. 1000 Women Trust launched the GBV-Warriors campaign to provide critical support to women and children severely impacted by gender-based violence, particularly within the crucial first 24 hours after an attack. Gender-based violence in South Africa is rife. Daily, 114 women in South Africa are attacked and 170 women are sexually assaulted. Thiart said through interviews conducted with 500 community women in 2023, it was established that there is desperate need for safe spaces for women especially during the 24-hours after gender-based violence occurred. The GBV-Warriors are foot soldiers who are on the ground in communities, providing crucial support to abused women. They are women who have completed trauma and anti-bully training, facilitated #HearMeToo sessions, partnered with social workers or counsellors, have worked closely with police and have organized GBV awareness initiatives in the community, said Thiart. The counselling course that starts in February will expand the bouquet of skills that the GBV-Warriors possess, but it is vital to understand that the counselling course is not limited to the Warriors. “Any GBV-survivor can also complete the course and we would like them to join,” Thiart said. The GBV Warriors form part of 1000 Women Trust’s comprehensive, nation-wide strategy to establish GBV Community Advice Offices in vulnerable communities. They offer physical safety, emotional support, and guidance to survivors of GBV. The 1000 Women Trust is a Women’s Rights Organisation operating in South Africa, dedicated to raising awareness about gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) while providing capacity-building to GBV community organisations. For more information, contact the office on info@1000women.co.za , or phone 061-4690479.

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 25th NOVEMBER 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wearing orange, hosting awareness events part of campaign to mobilize communities during 16 Days Wearing orange and hosting awareness events are part of the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust’s plan of action for 16 Days of Activism to mobilize community involvement to eradicate the scourge of gender-based violence, said Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust. “Empower every voice: Unite for Change is the theme of 1000 Women Trust’s campaign during the 16 Days of Activism,” said Thiart. “The focus will be to encourage action at all levels of society and promoting support for change,” she said. “This year, 1000 Women Trust emphasizes the power of collective action and the importance of every individual’s contribution to end gender-based violence,” said Thiart. “We invite you to join us or be innovative, create a meaningful way of showing solidarity or making a difference in the communities. “A total of 7.84 million women in South Africa have been subjected to physical and sexual violence, according to the Human Science Research Council-findings of the first SA national gender-based violence study of 2022 released on Monday 18 th November 2024,” said Thiart. “In order to address this alarming situation, we need more community involvement,” said Thiart. “We are encouraging everyone to wear orange, the colour symbolizing a brighter future free from violence and sharing photos on social media with hashtags like #EmpowerEveryVoice and #UniteForChange.” The Trust also wants to partner with local businesses and government during16 Days. There are many ways that companies can raise awareness and encourage employees to engage in communities, said Thiart. One way might be to light up landmarks in orange in solidarity against gender-based violence. 1000 Women Trust is inviting communities to arrange social events or discussion groups during each of the 16 Days of Activism – to create a safe space to discuss gender-based violence, while wearing orange to show solidarity with victims of gender-based violence, said Thiart. “At social events, we want to encourage survivors to share their stories, either in person or through videos, to create awareness and inspire action,” Thiart said. 1000 Women Trust plan to host workshops during the 16 Days to prevent gender-based violence and promote human rights, in partnership with its GBV-Warriors. The Trust trained GBV-Warriors to assist victims of gender-based violence in the crucial 24 hours following an attack in order to offer safe spaces to the affected women and also assist them the following day to access Thuthuzela Care Centres or open a case at a police station. “We also will mobilize support during 16 Days for the GBV-Warriors though donations and volunteerism,” said Thiart. “We also aim to foster unity, a sense of community and collective responsibility in the eradication of gender-based violence and to grow the 1000 Women Network,” Thiart said. Thiart says 1000 Women Trust will kick-off the 16 Days of Activism-campaign by encouraging everybody to wear orange on Day One in solidarity against gender-based violence. Everyone of the 16 days will have a specific theme and call to action. On day 2 on 26 th November the theme will revolve around what to do when you suspect that a child is abused. Over 106 000 rape cases and 22,000 sexual assault cases involving children have been reported over the last six financial years, and therefore the community involvement is crucial to stop this, said Thiart. The community can help by looking for signs like physical injuries, poor hygiene, and behavioural changes like when a child is withdrawing or expressing excessive fear. You can report immediately by contacting your local child protection services, a social worker or the police, or visit the helpline of the Trust on 061-4690479. On the 27 th November 1000 Women Trust will discuss the key amendments to GBV-laws including the Criminal Law Amendment bill, ensuring that survivors are informed about their rights. On Day eight, or 2 nd December, the 1000 Women Trust will focus on how complainants can react when police officers refuse to open a case against perpetrators of GBV. Every person has a right to report a case and the police are legally obliged to open a case and investigate. The complainant can also write down the officer’s name and badge number and lodge a complaint with the independent police investigative directorate or other oversight bodies. Women who are refused assistance, can also liaise with 1000 Women Trust, and with their GBV Warriors who are expertly trained to assist them when dealing with uncooperative police officers. “We believe that through these actions on each day, we are assisting the community in challenging gender-based violence. “ For example, secondary victimization at police offices is one of the main reasons why law enforcement agencies do not form an effective deterrent against domestic violence,” Thiart said. The 1000 Women Trust is a South African organization that aims to end gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. To contact the Trust, send a mail to info@1000women.co.za or call the Trust on 061-4690479. Press release compiled by Fanie Heyns on behalf of 1000 Women Trust. For more information, contact Tina Thiart on 073-2079079.

HSRC’s findings of scale of GBV conservative due to women not reporting the crime’ Considerably more women experienced physical and sexual violence in South Africa than the 7,84 million that was revealed by the Human Science Research Council (HSRC) in its findings on the first South African National Gender-Based Violence study of 2022. That is because 60 % of SA women do not report gender-based violence for fear of secondary victimization, says Tina Thiart, co-founder of the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust. 33.1% of all women aged 18 years and older are vulnerable to physical violence in their lifetime, according to the HSRC-findings of the first SA national gender-based violence study of 2022 presented to minister Sindisiwe Chikunga on Monday 18 th November 2024. Among all women, 9.8% (an estimated 2 150 342 women) have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. The combined physical and sexual violence prevalence in the country is 35.5%, which translates to 7.84 million women. Thiart said that figure could be considerably higher. Many SA women simply do not report physical of sexual gender-based violence for fear of reprisal by their boyfriends or husbands, or because of the secondary victimization that these women face at police stations. “In 2020, 2021 and 2022, 1000 Women Trust, and the WE DARE-team (acronym for Women’s Equality; Digital Access and the Right to Expression), led by Prof Mollie Painter of the Nottingham School of Business, did research on multiple gender-based violence-related matters, including the patters of reporting by SA women. We established that 60 % of all women affected by gender-based violence, do not report the crime,” said Thiart. “Recently, a police-officer at the Delft Police station’s community service centre, for example, turned away a rape victim and demanded that the survivor brings a witness before a case can be opened, Thiart said. Dr Genine Josias, medical coordinator at the Thuthuzela Clinical Forensic Centre at the Karl Bremer Hospital, said on Facebook that a person reported the rape at the police station in Delft, a GBV-hotspot in the Western Cape. The police officer questioned why the victim waited so long to open a case and then told the survivor to bring a witness before the case can be opened. Apparently, the witness walked in on the crime but was not available to accompany the survivor to the police station, so the victim and the witness returned to Delft police station the following morning, Dr Josias said. She said these wrong actions by the police is not an isolated incident but happens repeatedly and affects rape-survivors as some of the traumatized victims might decide not to return the next day. “The police must open the case immediately and should not be asking rape survivors for witnesses. They also should not question why they waited 48 hours as many victims suffer severe trauma and don’t report it immediately.” said Dr Josias. “Often women who are unaccompanied, suffer at police stations and in many instances no case is opened by the police, Thiart said. That prompted1000 Women Trust to launch the GBV-Warriors-campaign to provide critical support to women and children severely impacted by gender-based violence, particularly within the crucial first 24 hours after an attack to ensure that there are safe spaces for women immediately after an attack. The GBV-Warriors, who have an astute knowledge of the rights of the victims, accompany these victims to the police stations, where, historically, GBV-victims have suffered secondary victimization, said Thiart. Dr Nadia Bernon, a GBV-Warrior of 1000 Women Trust and gender activist in KwaZulu-Natal, says secondary victimization at police stations are real. “That is why victims don’t even report cases because they have lost hope in the law and the way they are treated and that is why victims are now making civil society organizations that focuses on GBV their first responders. “The problem is that police stations don’t have a gender-based violence desk and few police officers and police vehicles strictly for GBV-related matters or incidents and they don’t make GBV-cases a priority. They give it less attention,” Bernon said. “Unless there is structural reform of the SA Police Service, the police will not act as an effective deterrent to perpetrators of gender-based violence,” said Thiart. The 1000 Women Trust is a South African organization that works to end gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. For more information, contact 1000 Women Trust on info@1000women.co.za or phone the Trust on 061-4690479.